Chow, once attached to both play the Kato to Seth Rogen’s Green Hornet as well as direct the film itself, has offically severed himself from the production. Here’s an offical-type statement from Sony:

“There was a mutual and amicable decision by both sides to move on. We are out now to cast a new Kato and remain fully committed to Michel Gondry’s exciting vision for the film, which will begin production this September.”

Now, am I bummed? Yes, I think Chow was a genius choice. But, hey, what can you do? I still have faith in this project; Rogen and Evan Goldberg have yet to write a bad screenplay and Michel Gondry directing a summer action movie just makes me giddy. The film is now in “casting call” mode to find the new Kato in the next…two months. Yikes, this is gonna be one for the books.  Who do I think would do a good job as Kato? Well, call me crazy, something about Disturbia’s and Aaron Yoo strikes me as very Katoish.

Set to star Chow and Seth Rogen as the title the character, the film is now scrambling to line up another director. Chow who previously directed and starred in Kung Fu Hustle and Shaolin Soccer will only be starring in this one.

The Character began on the radio during the 1930’s but is best known from the 1960’s TV series. The film version has taken a while to get off the ground, I remember when Kevin Smith was attached to this.

(Variety)